Kerry calls for revamped farm subsidies
'I will stand up for family farmers and good conservation'
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John Kerry talks with Doug Thompson during a visit to Thompson's farm Tuesday in Kanawha, Iowa.
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DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) -- Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry, warning of the growing encroachment of corporations in food production, has called for increased funding for conservation programs and revamping the targeting of farm subsidies.
As control by agribusiness has grown, Kerry said, family farmers have been squeezed, with a 38-percent decline in the number of hog producers.
"When you consider that two-thirds of our agriculture support payments go to the largest 10 percent of firms, it's no surprise," the Massachusetts senator said Tuesday.
Visiting a family farm in northern Iowa, Kerry said four giant companies control 81 percent of the nation's beef production. He said he would restructure farm subsidies to give family operations a better chance at competing for assistance.
"I have fought to make sure that family farms have a fair shot to compete against large corporations and that farmers have the support they need," he said.
In addition, Kerry said he would bolster funding for struggling soil conservation programs, such as the Conservation Security Program pushed by Sen. Tom Harkin of Iowa. It provides funding and technical assistance for farmers who engage in soil conservation efforts, but Kerry warned it's badly underfunded.
Applications for assistance worth $104 million are pending in Iowa alone, he said.
"As president, I will stand up for family farmers and good conservation practices," he said. "It rewards family farmers for being strong environmental stewards, it helps our rural communities thrive and it makes sure our family farms are a source of opportunity and hope for the next generation."
The campaign swing Tuesday was the latest effort by Kerry to warn about big business' impact on farming. Over the weekend, he called for tougher inspection and tracking efforts in the wake of mad cow disease reported in the United States. He argues that the growth of corporate agriculture fuels such troubles.
The campaign of front-runner Howard Dean quickly waded in with criticism of Kerry's record on farm issues, arguing Kerry has voted against flood relief for farmers and other financial assistance. (Dean holds nationwide house parties)
"It takes a little more than a new pair of boots and a flannel shirt to convince Iowans you understand rural America," spokeswoman Sarah Leonard said. "Iowans look at your record."
The Dean campaign distributed a letter sent by Chris Petersen, vice president of the Iowa Farmers Union, to members of that group. Petersen, who backs Dean, was critical of Kerry's stance on rural issues, including a financial safety net for farmers.
"Rural Iowa deserves better," Petersen said in his letter.
Kerry campaign manager John Norris said Dean's claim was "absolutely false" and noted that Kerry voted to continue the subsidy program and to offer flood relief.
Most polls show Dean and Rep. Dick Gephardt leading the field in the fight for Iowa's January 19 caucuses, with Kerry trailing in third place. (CNN.com's interactive Election Calendar, Gephardt: Terror alerts too costly)
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Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
